Fantasy Playoff Matchups: The Good

Congratulations! If you’re curious enough to read this article in all likelihood you are on your way to the fantasy playoffs in your league.

If you’re reading this and are out of the running, then I apologize for the awkward introduction. You’re probably also the type of sad, jealous person that browses your ex’s social media pages, seeing how much fun he/she is having while wallowing in your self-pity. I’m one of those people.

The fantasy league I’m in with the guys from fantasyfootballpros, I’m in a lowly 8th place out of 10 (Damn you Pierre Garcon). Also both of my ex girlfriends are in happy, successful relationships. Do I hate myself? Of course, but being out of the running doesn’t stop me from my favorite hobby: giving fantasy football advice with about a 25% success rate.

Still reading? Cool. You are a good friend. If you were fortunate enough to make the fantasy football playoffs, you have a shot at the title, you got to the dance… glory is within your grasp! Now if you have gotten this far, chances are you have a nice foundation of your team that you’re comfortable with starting, but with great fantasy football success comes stress and good decision making.

All year you’ve played the matchups, gone with your gut, and with some great calls, and certainly some terrible ones, you live to fight another day.

This article is here to add to the pile of research and information you’re hopefully reading in preparation to make your playoff push. No team is perfect. Chances are you aren’t undefeated and if you are, please stop reading this article because you are definitely better at this than I am, but I’m willing to bet one more bit of food for thought could be exactly what you need to pull the trigger on a risky flex play that could lead you to victory.

After browsing through some interesting matchup situations over the next few weeks, I took a look at some flex worthy bubble players that could pay off for you big time at the end of the season. Some of these guys could even be on your waiver wire which you shouldn’t forget about.

Just because half of your league is done acquiring players doesn’t mean players won’t get injured and create some holes on your roster. You want to always have the best team possible. Below I’m gonna list some iffy players at each position that I believe will have success over the next three weeks (14,15,16).

Now I’m not saying sit Andrew Luck and start Eli Manning, but if you have been working a two QB/matchup based system this season, Eli could get the tilt over say, a Ben Roethlisberger.

So let’s get to it:

QUARTERBACK:

Eli Manning: Next three matchups: @TEN(20) ,WAS(32), @STL(14)

Eli has been all over the place this season. He’s had four single digit performances, four over 20 points, and the rest scattered in the teens. However, for the most part, Manning has been relatively predictable; performing well against the teams he is expected to. His worst performances were on the road against teams like Detroit, Seattle, and Jacksonville? (The Jacksonville matchup isn’t as good for quarterbacks as one may think.

Andrew Luck had his worst performance of the season against them and he’s the best QB in fantasy this season. As a matter of fact, the Jaguars rank 16th in terms of fantasy points allowed to QBs.) With Washington, who ranks last against the past, coming in week 15 (Manning went for 30+ against the ‘Skins IN Washington) I believe Eli is certainly usable over the next few weeks depending on your options.

Tony Romo: Next three matchups: @CHI(31), @PHI(28), IND(21)

Those are some sweet ass matchups. Concerning that Romo has only exceeded 300 yards once this season, but this Cowboys team is different than past years that displayed terrible December collapses. He’s coming off his worst game of the season (199:2 picks), but overall his floor has been pretty high. With his next two road games against defenses who rank in the bottom 4 against the QB, I like the Cowboys’ potential through the air.

RUNNING BACK:

Chris Ivory: @MIN(24), @TEN(31), NE(20)

I know it’s risky, but with RB being so weird again this year, Ivory quietly ranks 17th among fantasy RBs. Last week the Jets historically did not pass the ball as they seem to not be able to find a serviceable QB under center. This bodes well for Ivory, who is still the Jets starter. Not to mention, the last time Ivory played the Patriots, he posted his highest fantasy total of the year with 18.5 standard scoring. If Ivory finds the endzone, he could pay off big time.

Isaiah Crowell: IND(25), CIN(28), @CAR(23)

Crowell has been banged up, but Coach Pettine alluded to the fact that Terrance West will see a decreased role in the Cleveland backfield due to “careless ballhandling” which is sooooooooo Belichick. Crowell has excelled against good matchups since the departure of Ben Tate and frankly, it’s hard to find three consecutive RB matchups better than Crowell’s playoff schedule with all three defenses giving up double digit rushing touchdowns this season.

WIDE RECEIVER:

Golden Tate: TB(26), MIN(14), @CHI(23)

Tate hasn’t scored since Calvin Johnson’s return which is concerning, but his targets continue to hover in the double digits. These matchups could certainly swing in favor of Johnson, but Minnesota does well against the number 1 WR. With no other real receiver trget for Stafford, I expect Tate to finish the season strong especially in PPR formats.

Odell Beckham Jr: @TEN(18), WAS(28), @CHI(23), @STL(24)

Chances are you are starting ODB anyway, so look at this as some clarification on why you should have faith. All three of these defenses have given up over 2,000 yards through the air which is Beckham’s strong suit. He’s only scored in three games all season, and with the Giant’s run game being a mystery, expect Beckham to get a lot of work to finish off his rookie campaign.

TIGHT END:

Jason Witten: @CHI(32), @PHI(8), IND(30)

Witten is coming off a terrible Cowboys showing against Philly on Thanksgiving, but with the exception of the Eagle’s matchup, the Bears and the Colts are among the worst against the Tight End. Unless you had one of the top 5 TE’s this season you probably did a good bit of streaming. Witten’s schedule proves he should be involved in your roster. Sure it isn’t sexy, but how many tight ends are? I like Witten entering the top ten ranks in weeks 14 and 16.

Delanie Walker: NYG(24), NYJ(31), @JAC(18)

Concussions on concussions have disrupted Walker’s season, and last week’s one catch performance wasn’t encouraging after going for 155 against Philly in week 12. The good matchups and upside brings Walker into that tight end streaming conversation, and with Mettenberger likely coming back this week, it bodes well for Walker’s potential.

DEFENSE: Stream it dude…..

Keep in mind, this isn’t a start em/sit em article. If you have better options to fill your roster do it, but you might need to use some of the guys above and are on the fence about them. This is me pushing you off the fence. Hopefully you don’t get your pants caught and are left hanging in the loser’s bracket. Good luck!